J.J. Watt thinks Week 1 between the Seahawks and Patriots could open with a little caution.
Speaking on “The Pat McAfee Show,” the former NFL star said Seattle’s first game against New England may not start with either side firing on all cylinders, especially with the Seahawks adjusting after the departure of former offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak.
“I think it's gonna be cagey to start,” Watt said. “I think Klint Kubiak’s loss is a big loss.
I think that's a huge aspect of it. They'll be fine, obviously, and they're gonna be who they are.
But between these two head coaches, they do things differently.
“They've had different backgrounds in the way that they came up. But they're both very good at getting their team locked in.
We've all seen the 'Hard Knocks' from this year, and the Mike McDonald stuff is fantastic. And just the way that he talks to his guys, the way that he approaches it, he'll have them ready.”
Kubiak is now the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, and Watt pointed to that loss as a meaningful one for Seattle. He said the Seahawks will still be themselves, but the change in offensive leadership is a real factor heading into the opener.
The matchup also comes with the Super Bowl rematch label attached, and Watt said both head coaches are capable of getting their teams prepared, even if they go about it in different ways.
Watt also likes what he sees coming from the Patriots, even after a busy offseason filled with distractions and roster movement. He said New England has had plenty to handle, from coach Mike Vrabel’s offseason scandal with Dianna Russini to the turnover that followed a Super Bowl appearance.
“Mike, obviously, in New England, dealing with the distractions, dealing with guys coming in and out this offseason and everything,” Watt said. “Just making guys lock in on football, focused. You have a guy who you basically send away to Houston, Kayshon Boutte, because you brought in these other receivers.
“So, the additional weapons and the belief that they have in them to give Drake Maye in that offense. Very excited to see what Josh McDaniels dials up this season as Drake Maye continues to be more comfortable and grow as an up-and-comer in this league.”
Watt said he expects the Patriots to be fun to watch again in 2026, and he believes the team has enough around Drake Maye to keep building on last season’s resurgence under Vrabel. Even with the scrutiny hanging over the franchise, Watt still sounded confident that New England can handle what comes next.
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